One-and-a-half-stripe hap
📖 Overview
One-and-a-half-stripe hap (Protomelas insignis), first described by Trewavas, 1935 is a medium-sized fish in the family Cichlidae (order Cichliformes). Adults typically reach 20.30 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, kept in the aquarium hobby, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Cichlidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 17 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10; Vertebrae: 32. Diagnosis: distinguished by the prominence of the posterior part of the mid-lateral and the anterior part of the dorsolateral stripes; further distinguished from P. spilonotus by the lower number of gill rakers . : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for One-and-a-half-stripe hap is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical; 12°S - 15°S Endemic to the southern part of Lake Malawi.
🌿 Ecology
eggs (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Protomelas Insignis is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for One-and-a-half-stripe hap is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for One-and-a-half-stripe hap has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect One-and-a-half-stripe hap.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 7 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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